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Philadelphia is in rebuilding mode, and is looking to get universally younger this offseason. The club was considering moving key pieces heading into the Winter Meetings, and according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are close to completing a deal that would send Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers.
Rollins, 36, is the Phillies' all-time hits leader. He posted a .243/.323/.394 batting line to complement 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in 138 games last season. He was among the faces of the Phillies' franchise, and was the National League MVP in 2007. Rollins is also a three time All-Star and has won four Gold Gloves throughout the course of his career. He has proven to be durable, missing just 35 games over the last three seasons.
Los Angeles has the payroll flexibility to add Rollins, who will make $11 million in 2015, which is the last year of his current contract. Dodgers prospect Corey Seager is continuing to develop, and the addition of Rollins will continue to give him time to do so.
While the Dodgers were looking to replace Hanley Ramirez, who signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Red Sox, the Phillies are seeking young starting pitching. It is unclear what Philadelphia will receive in return, though, and Rosenthal also notes that a third team might get involved.
As of last month, it was reported that Rollins didn't want to waive his no-trade clause because he was hoping to spend his entire career with Philadelphia. However, Rollins likely believed that the Phillies may not be interested in bringing him back after 2015, and starting for the Dodgers gives him a chance to play for a contender.
Philadelphia has reportedly been asking too much for their veteran players, but could look to move other pieces too. Cole Hamels and Marlon Byrd are among the Phillies who could be moved before the end of the Winter Meetings.